Not sure if you noticed any changes in my posts as of late, but I’ve really switched gears to focus more on my love of reading. When I was approached to take over the IWSG Book Club I took it as a sign. While I will always be a writer at heart, whether I publish or not, I really think I’m a booklover first. More importantly, I want more people to read. That’s why I consider myself a reading advocate. I want everyone to have a healthy reading lifestyle, at whatever level that means for them. Of course, I’m all for the spread of literacy, but I also think there’s value in seeing reading as a form of entertainment. That’s why I’ve decided to launch my new interview series on YouTube.
I want to create an interview series that’s all about how great authors, books, and reading really are. I don’t want just another interview program about shameless and boring self-promotion. I want to sit down with authors, illustrators, and other industry professionals and talk about why reading is so wonderful, how they come up with their stories, break down some of their best plots, and then get silly and relate to them on a real and personal level.
I get that this won’t be for everyone, but I think it will be a lot of fun and look forward to being able to share it with the world. Click the images below to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter
We are excited to have you on this delightful adventure!
Come along with us and meet some amazing heroes and heroines who may just win, or break, your heart. We have the supernatural, the unnatural, and the magical on this journey for you.
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Hi there, I’m Toi, for anyone new stopping by, and welcome back to all my faithful subscribers. Today I’ll be sharing a short interview with the hero of one of my short stories in the collection, Legend of the Boy, In the Window, and Other Short Stories.
Amazon
Today, you’ll be getting to know Derek from In the Window.
Toi: What’s up Derek?
Derek: Oh, you know. Dead people as usual.
Toi: Ok, so we’re just getting right into it, aren’t we?
Derek: I see no point in pleasantries. I barely sleep anymore. The boy is gone but all the rest are still here.
Toi: Well, don’t give too much of your story away just yet. Why not tell the people a little about yourself first?
Derek: Fine. I used to be a cleaner. A guy who took care of messy situations that turned fatal. My partner and I wanted to start a legit cleaning business, but that was the only work we could get.
Toi: So, were you guys criminals?
Derek: Technically, we were just cleaners, but all our clients were criminals and we never reported the things we cleaned up. So, I guess we were kind of in the wrong. I guess that’s why we were cursed.
Toi: Okay, so let’s talk about the dead people. Do you see them, hear them, feel them?
Man In Gray Hoodie Behind The Window, March 17, 2020 by Máximo at Pexels.com
Derek: I see them in reflections, such as windows, TV screens, silver wear, and most of all mirrors. I can’t stand mirrors anymore. At least I can’t feel them, and they can’t bother me too much unless I invite them for a conversation.
Toi: Wow, how did this all start?
Derek: The last job my partner and I did was the first time I saw the spirit of the body we were to dispose of. Then I found out about the boy. I thought he was the cause but turns out he was just the catalyst.
Toi: What happened in your story?
Derek: Without giving too much away, once I was able to give the boy what he wanted I was free of him, but it came at a high cost.
Toi: So, what’s next?
Derek: You tell me. You’re the one who’s been writing about me so much lately.
Toi: That’s right I have. I’ve decided to continue your story and put it in another collection to be released, hopefully, in 2022.
Derek: I hope my next story has a better ending than the first.
Toi: We’ll just have to see.
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If you enjoyed this stop on the tour, don’t miss out on meeting the other awesome heroes and heroines:
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter
Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Legend of the Boy, In the Window, and Other Short Stories, and today I have a treat to share. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Tatum James. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.
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Toi:Hi there,Tatum! It’s so wonderful to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
Tatum: Hi, Toi. I’m excited to share my work with you today.
Toi:So tell me, who isTatum James?
Tatum: Tatum James is an up and coming author. I say up and coming but so far I have self-published 3 novels. Identical Sins, Diary of A Broken Doll, and Diary Of A Broken Doll 2. I’ve always loved writing and storytelling and finally, I am sharing my love.
Toi: Well before we dive into your special message today, let’s get to know you, the person inside the author.
IMDB
Toi:Who is so you and why?
Tatum: I’m so Gabrielle Union’s character in Being Mary Jane.
Toi:What makes you geek out?
Tatum: Harry Potter! I admit I am a Pot head.
Toi:What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Tatum: There was a book called Wonder by Rachel Vail and The Sideways Stories From Wayside School.
Wikipedia
Toi:In terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Tatum: I would want to interview Donny Hathaway. I love, love, love him and I have so many questions.
Toi: Now that we know a little more about you, the person, let’s learn about you, the author, and dive into your special message.
Toi:So, whacha got for me today?
Tatum: My favorite thing that I’ve ever written on a whim my book Identical Sins. It all started as part of a Facebook challenge.
Amazon
Toi:So who’s starring in this 2-dimensional script read ofIdentical Sins?
Tatum: I would say Lola is the main character. She’s reserved and practical, just trying to make a way for her and her daughter, you know? The total opposite of her bold and outgoing twin sister.
Toi:What’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?
Tatum: It’s different than anything that I’ve ever read. Most readers report being surprised and not being able to put it down interested in where it all will lead. It’s kind of a romantic suspense. I loved reading it after putting it down for a while. I was like what’s going to happen next?
Toi:Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Tatum: I don’t have a method to my madness. I usually come up with names and a plot and go from there. In my best work, I don’t even know what’s going to happen next. I wing it. That keeps it fresh. To set the mood I listen to music and get plenty of snacks. I’m working on the 3rd installation to Diary of A Broken doll, about halfway done.
Amazon
Toi:What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Tatum: I loved E. Lynn Harris and still find myself reading or listening to his work.
Toi: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Tatum: I don’t care, man.
Toi:If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tatum: Anyone that knows me, knows that it’s the Temptations movie.
Amazon
Toi:When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
Tatum: Fantasia’s No Time For It seems to express my joy and makes me feel carefree. I try not to listen to anything with negative connotations but that’s the best music right. Donny Hathaway’s live version of Stevie Wonder’s Superwoman makes me cry.
Toi: Let’s play zombie urban survivor. What 3 things do you need to survive a black-out in Central Park the day zombies attack?
Tatum: Tennis shoes, a gun, a car I would assume. I’ve never been to Central Park but I would be wanting to get out of there.
Toi:What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Tatum: Playing charades on the beach with some of my best friends.
Toi: Last question of the day; here we go.
Toi:Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
Tatum: In 5 years I will be an established author with an extensive catalog.
Toi:Thank you so much, Tatum,for spending time with me today.
Tatum: Thanks for having me Toi. It was fun.
Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more fromTatum James, check out this link:
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